Long Beach, California
Teacher Mary Bane said David T. Toomalatai impressed her in her physiology and Advanced Placement classes. Although he joked around, he was well-mannered and knew how to talk to adults. "He had so much potential. Just tons," she said. "I always had a sense he was one of those students who was really going to go somewhere and do something. I'm really saddened at losing him so young." Toomalatai, 19, of Long Beach, Calif., was killed Jan. 27 in Taji when his ambulance rolled over a land mine. He was a 2005 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Hood. He played wide receiver on the varsity football team and lettered in volleyball. After attending community college and working at a pharmacy, Toomalatai decided to enlist when he learned that Daniela Perera, his longtime sweetheart, was pregnant. Unable to be at her side for their son's birth March 28, 2006, Toomalatai would come to know Damien through numerous photographs. In September, the Army granted him a 10-day leave. "He was overwhelmed with the baby. He didn't know how to react," Perera said. "He was really happy, and he dedicated his time to the baby. He didn't want to go out."
"The Ocho"
Toom’s, Brother I pray you’re keeping an eye on all of us. We all may have scattered but we’re always near. I pray your son and family are celebrating you as I know they all miss you Your Brothers of the Ocho do as well. You’re never forgotten.
Robert Martinez III
May 29, 2023 | San Antonio, TX | Military
Hello, We wanted you to know that we will be honoring and remembering your loved one this holiday season. We are sending Care Packages to our deployed troops in his name. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of David T. Toomalatai US Army Private 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the...
Charlie Gili
November 08, 2022
Tooms, you & your family continue to be in our prayers. We’ll never forget... May the Lord provide comfort & peace to your family. Let them rejoice in memories of you today.
Robert Martinez III
January 27, 2022 | San Antonio, TX | Military
Brother. you & your family & your son are in our prayers. We’ll never forget... you’re missed. May the Lord provide comfort & peace to your family.
Robert Martinez III
January 27, 2021 | San Antonio, TX | Military
Never forgotten . Aloha always.
Ashley Cababag
May 23, 2020 | Sacramento, CA
Brother, Youre never forgotten. You, your son and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Youre missed...
Robert Martinez III
January 27, 2020 | San Antonio, TX | Military
Brother, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers this evening... you're truly missed and most definitely never forgotten. May the Lord comfort your loved ones and let them find strength in unity.
Robert Martinez III
January 26, 2019 | San Antonio, TX
Hey you! I just wanted to say I love you and we miss you a lot. All is well here so far. Still fighting the good fight.
October 30, 2017
Toomalatai,
Brother, 10 years... you're Never forgotten . Prayers for you, the family & your beautiful son. May the Lord continue to watch over them all. You're truly missed.
Robert Martinez III
January 28, 2017 | San Antonio, TX